Elul: A Reminder Of Our Purpose
Elul: A Reminder Of Our Purpose
By Rabbi Isser New
The month of Elul is a deeply significant period in the Jewish calendar, serving as a time of reflection and preparation for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah is not only a day to celebrate the beginning of a new year but also to commemorate the creation of the world and humanity. The question arises: why does it take 30 days to prepare for the day we celebrate creation? After all, if we already believe that Hashem created the world and everything in it, what more is there to prepare for?
Inherent in the belief that Hashem created the world is the understanding that He also created each of us, and that each person has a specific purpose. Just as the world was created with a Divine purpose, so too were we. However, connecting deeply with this truth is not automatic—it requires time and effort. The month of Elul provides this time for us to internalize this profound idea about ourselves.
Elul is a time for teshuvah, or repentance. Teshuvah is not merely about feeling regret for past mistakes but involves a thorough self-examination and a commitment to returning to our path. The 30 days of Elul give us the opportunity to reflect on our actions over the past year, examine where we may have strayed from our purpose, and consider how we can realign ourselves with our Creator’s will. This process cannot happen overnight. It takes time to peel back the layers of distraction and ego that build up over the year, and to rediscover the deeper purpose for which we were created.
Believing that Hashem created the world is one thing; understanding what that means for us on a personal level is quite another. On Rosh Hashanah, we celebrate not only the anniversary of the world’s creation but also the creation of humanity. The Torah teaches that each individual is created in the image of God, imbued with divine purpose and potential. Recognizing that we are not here by chance, but by design, can be both empowering and humbling.
Elul gives us the time to connect with this reality: that just as the world has a purpose, so too do we. And just as the world requires Hashem’s continued guidance and care, so too do we rely on His direction to fulfill our purpose. The 30 days allow us to reflect on the year that has passed and to recalibrate our lives so that we can better fulfill the role Hashem has set for us.
Teaching these concepts to our children is a vital aspect of Jewish education. One of the most important lessons we can impart to our children is the understanding that they, like the world, were created for a reason. Helping children realize that they are not random beings but part of Hashem’s purposeful creation instills in them a sense of responsibility and meaning.
In a world that often promotes individualism and self-centeredness, Jewish education reminds us that we are part of something greater than ourselves. When we teach our children about Rosh Hashanah and the significance of the month of Elul, we help them recognize their place in the divine plan. They begin to understand that they, too, have a unique role to play in making the world a better place, in accordance with Hashem’s will.
Learning to reflect on our actions, take responsibility for mistakes, and strive to improve is essential for character development. Elul serves as a model for this process, teaching children that self-improvement is a lifelong endeavor, and that Hashem’s love and guidance are always available as we seek to grow into the people we were created to be.
Rabbi Isser New
Bringing up children requires of Jewish parents several basic principles. Firstly, the parent must always try to provide a shining example to their children of the kind of conduct that they would like to see in them.
Moreover, children usually think that insofar as they are concerned, it would be quite sufficient for them to have standards which it would be quite sufficient for them to have standards which are only half as good as those of their parents. Consequently, parents must take this into account and see to it that their own standards are at least twice as high as the minimum they expect of their children.
A further point and this too is essential, is that it is necessary also to take into account the strong pressures and influences to which children are constantly exposed… where they live and are raised. And where such influences are negative, the child must be provided with an ample dose of immunization to be able to resist those influences.
Staff In-Service Days & Responsive Classroom Training
Our school recently dived into a vibrant Responsive Classroom workshop, and it was an absolute blast. We spent the day exploring exciting strategies to make our classrooms more engaging and supportive. From interactive activities to brainstorming sessions, we learned how to build strong classroom communities and keep students excited about learning. We got hands-on with creative routines and rituals and even developed our own action plans to bring these fresh ideas into our daily practices. The energy and enthusiasm were infectious, and we can't wait to put all these fantastic new tools into action and see the positive impact on our students.
Responsive Classroom In Action
In Responsive Classroom, our cozy reading corners are designed to be inviting spaces that inspire a love of reading. They feature a variety of accessible books to meet diverse interests and reading levels, encouraging students to explore independently. Integrated into our daily routines, these corners help reinforce the joy of reading. Our teachers model positive reading habits and engage with students about their book choices, fostering a vibrant reading culture. Overall, these cozy corners play a key role in creating a nurturing environment that supports literacy and motivates our students.
5th Grade Boys' Shofar Factory
After delving into the halachos of what constitutes a halachically valid Shofar to be blown on Rosh Hashanah (and Yovel), students applied their knowledge by distinguishing between horns of different animals to determine which horns had removable cartilage (kosher) and which did not. Afterwards, each student had the opportunity to prepare his own operable shofar from a raw goat horn by sawing, drilling, sanding, and polishing their shofars!
Welcome to the New School Year
The students were welcomed back to an exciting new school year at Chaya Mushka Chabad Academy. As the year gets kicked off, we’re thrilled to introduce our newly organized and renovated classrooms and separated grade levels, designed to enhance our students' learning experiences. This year, we are also delighted to welcome several new staff members who bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to our team. A special shoutout goes to our enthusiastic new first graders, who are starting their educational journey with us—welcome to the family.
Place Value Fun in Third Grade
This week, students in third grade had a blast using Base Ten blocks to build various structures and then calculated the value of their creations. It was a hands-on exploration of place value that made learning both engaging and fun for everyone! 🏠👷
All New Electives @ CMCA
This week CMCA announced the launch of our Elective Wednesdays, and it’s been a hit with our students. From the calming stretches of Yoga to the creative challenges of Coding, students had a blast exploring a variety of new interests and skills. The vibrant energy in the classrooms was palpable as students dived into their chosen electives with enthusiasm and curiosity. The success of these sessions highlights the value of offering engaging and diverse learning opportunities throughout the school week. We look forward to seeing how our Elective Wednesdays continue to spark creativity and passion throughout the school year!
Atlanta and CMCA Welcomes Bochurim Shluchim
With the fanfare and excitement they deserved, a group of four Shluchim were welcomed to CMCA on Tuesday morning by the staff and students. With music and dancing, the school community welcomed Avrohom Mochkin, Levi Hirsh, Mendel Barber, and Levi Spalter, the group of Rabbinical students that will spend the year infusing our school and broader community with energy, learning, spirituality, and growth. If you see the Shluchim around during pick-up, drop-off, or anywhere else, be sure to introduce yourself and welcome them. We wish them Hatzlacha in their holy work.
What are you Looking Forward To The Most This School Year?
Aderet Afrah - 8th Grade: This year I’m looking forward to being in student council.
Sophie Mason - 8th Grade: This year I am looking forward to the 8th Grade Trip.
Liam Mor - 4th Grade: This year I am looking forward to solving mystery stories with Ms. Hayden.
Dov Pawliger - 3rd Grade: This year I’m looking forward to reading better.
Yitzhak and Yaakov Bodnar - 2nd Grade: This year we’re looking forward to reading and writing.
Riddle 1:
This week’s Parshah is called Shoftim. Where is the first place in the Torah that we see this word?
Riddle 2:
In this week’s Parshah, the numbers 1, 2 and 3 are all mentioned in the same Possuk. What is the Possuk discussing?
NOTE ON RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM
The Responsive Classroom Approach, which all of our teachers have been implementing in the classrooms this year, addresses five Social & Emotional Competencies: Cooperation, Assertiveness, Responsibility, Empathy and Self Control.
We will send home tips every week that you can use at home for each competency. This week is Cooperation.
Promote teamwork and responsibility at home with Family Task Rotations. Start by assigning age-appropriate tasks for your children, like setting the table or sorting laundry. Use a visual chart to track tasks and rotate responsibilities weekly to keep things fresh and fair. Encourage collaboration on bigger jobs—like cooking or cleaning up—where everyone plays a role. A simple reward system, like a sticker chart or a family fun night, can keep kids motivated. Wrap up each week by reflecting on what went well, and celebrate your family’s efforts in maintaining a happy, cooperative household!
Mazal Tov to our students and staff celebrating their birthday this month:
GRADE 2
Chaya Rivkah Abraham - 7 Elul
Elimelech Freeman - 7 Elul
Mendel Sharfstein - 4 Elul
GRADE 3
Vita Avtzon - 27 Elul
Tiferes Mallinger - 1 Elul
Aliza Romano - 9 Elul
GRADE 7
Avraham Antopolsky - 13 Elul
Shaya Sollish - 1 Elul
GRADE 8
Chaya Amzalak - 6 Elul
TEACHER
Lesley Price August 14
Mazal tov to Mussia Sharfstein
on her Bas Mitzvah.
Mazal tov to Chana Goldman
on her Bas Mitzvah.
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